The Utah Jazz dominate at home against the Golden State Warriors
By Jesse Thayne
![SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 10: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 10, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 10: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives against Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 10, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cfd6bcbc71005ec0fd4ca3863558b6f59f906881c11c833fdb7aa8288e9afa1c.jpg)
After a great offensive showing, the Utah Jazz defeated the Golden State Warriors in a surprising blowout, 119-79.
In a game many would expect to be a lot closer, the Utah Jazz came out hot on Tuesday night. The Golden State Warriors were without one of their All-Stars, Stephen Curry, and they struggled mightily throughout the contest.
The Jazz had a lot more motivation in this game as they try to make a push for the three-seed in the Western Conference playoff picture, but clearly, the Warriors were lacking motivation as they’re currently locked in at the two-seed no matter the outcome of this game.
The Jazz came out of the gate fast on Tuesday night and shot the ball very well. All starters for the Jazz shot the ball over 50 percent, and the ball movement was fantastic. They had a total of 25 assists as a team.
The Warriors shot an atrocious 35 percent from the field overall and just 26 percent from three. This was a little surprising considering the Warriors still had Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green playing. Oddly enough, Thompson only made nine of his 27 attempts from the field.
Donovan Mitchell played extremely well. He was able to knock down his 186th three-pointer of the season and break Damian Lillard’s record of most three-pointers made by a rookie in a single season. Let’s just say he made it rain this season. What an unbelievable year for the rook.
Play of the game
I loved this play by Rudy Gobert. He was able to swat Durant, then run the length of the floor and finish with a nice lob pass to Jae Crowder. Should there even be an argument against Gobert winning Defensive Player of the Year?
#RudyDPOY https://t.co/XLuuaijYh3
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) April 11, 2018
Stat of the game
Donovan Mitchell reaching 186 threes on the season. What an awesome record for him to break, especially since it was previously held by a guy who is one of his biggest advocates to win Rookie of the Year (Damian Lillard).
Player of the game
There were so many great individual performances tonight, but it was hard to overlook Donovan Mitchell’s impressive night. He scored 22 points while making eight of his 12 shots in only 26 minutes.
Next: Utah Jazz: Examining a first round date with the Thunder
Up Next
The Jazz will be taking on the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday night in their season finale. Whoever comes out on top will own the third seed and have home court advantage for the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs.